An away day for Etone WBA saw the reverse fixture against Derby C who were thumped by ourselves on the opening day of the season. The team appeared unrecognisable in both personal and performance setting the tone early on in the game for what would be a really competitive match. First 10 minutes Derby saw a lot of the ball but we’re unable to create too much. After Etone WBA settled into the game it began to get more comfortable and some quick feet to create half a yard allowed Atkins to make it 1-0 to the away team. Half time came and shortly after Etone WBA saw fit to double the lead again through Atkins giving the travelling team full control of the game. Late in the second half Etone WBA began to tire and allowed a response from Derby after an individual error to make it 2-1. Gradually Etone WBA were forced back into a mid block as Derby began to see much of the ball. A couple of good saves from Bheda kept the score line favourable and then he made up for his earlier error with a diagonal long ranged pass into Heath who volleyed home from close range to make it 3-1. A nervous last 10 minutes saw Derby curl a free kick around the wall and in at the near post but it wasn’t enough to prevent a 3-2 win for Etone WBA and the win keeps us top of the league.

Scorers:

Atkins x2

Heath x1

If you see any of the lads around please congratulate them on their season so far 😊

On Monday 5^th February we start our Valentines themed attendance competition – Love Attendance Week. During the week we have issued the challenge to all Houses and Form Groups to have the highest attendance during that week with prizes on offer each day for pupils attending.

Recently the Department for Education released the staggering statistic that on average the last week of a half term reduces in attendance by 15%. This is a large portion of the academic year totalling 30 days, equating to 150 lessons. With courses and curriculum content and skill heavy, it is important that pupils understand why attendance matters across the year. Therefore we encourage our pupils with our competitions and underlining the message of excellent attendance at any point.

As you will be aware, the best way for your child to make use of the opportunities at school is for them to be present each and every day. By being in school they are exposed to our enriched curriculum that ensures each and every pupil makes progress and prepares them for a successful future.

The competition will begin on Monday with a prize draw each day of the week for pupils who attend. This will culminate on the final Friday where three lucky winners will receive:

• Echo Show
• Shopping Voucher
• Valentines “Movie Night In”

Over the course of the week we will be updating each group as to their attendance and promoting them aim for 100%. The form group with the highest average attendance will be invited for a special breakfast.

On Thursday our Year 11 Prefects enjoyed the chance to develop their team-building skills by visiting the Ninja Warrior UK challenge course. This was part of their training program looking to develop the key skills expected in the role of a prefect.

As a prefect our pupils are the role models for all other pupils as Etone Learners. Held to the highest expectations it is a role that we value and from this there is a clear prestige.

Our prefects had the chance to tackle the obstacle course, journey through the inflatables and even enjoy some Christmas tunes on the coach. A well deserved reward for the efforts that they have put into this year so far. A big thank you to all of our staff on the trip and of course a Merry Christmas to our Prefects.

On Thursday there was Musical Magic in the air as the Etone Choir, bands and solo performers took centre stage for our Christmas Concert.

Each year Mrs Kay-Shepheard puts on a masterful display of Etone talent as pupils from across all year groups regale their friends, families and peers with Christmas cheer.

This year we had a bumper turn out of parents and supporters, who were very generous in their donations towards the Nuneaton Food-bank. 

With Christmas classics and of course a singing audience the night was swept away with music, cheer and merriment as we enjoyed mince pies, cakes and coffee.

Thank you to all for their attendance! Merry Christmas Everyone.

On Tuesday 12th December, 50 students across the Matrix Schools met at Barr Beacon to find out more about their “Far From Home” Italian adventure as part of the Turing Scheme. The day consisted of meeting their staff, team building activities and learning more about where they are going. This of course would not have been complete without a “surviving Italy” language taster session from a native Italian, as well as tasting some authentic Italian dishes such as ‘Melanzane alla Parmigiana’ ‘Patate, Gorgonzola e Chorizo’ and a choice of ‘Antipasti’ to awaken their taste buds. The day was finished off by writing a Christmas card back to their pen pal in our partner school in Rome, we cannot wait to visit and meet them in person! 

Etone’s Dance Squad took to stage for their very first time!

A fantastic group of girls have worked really hard to put together an amazing performance for the Matrix Academy Showcase. With great enthusiasm and dedication to Dance, the girls are currently working on performances for the new year which we endeavour will take our Dance squad to new levels!

If you would like to get involved, please see Miss Oakley

With 2 visitors from the RAF, the students got involved in games linking to STEM as they had a chance to develop problem solving and teamwork I g skills.

Games involved getting as many students feet in one hula hoop as possible (winner was 17!) and skipping through a rope one at a time and then in groups. Throughout the evening the cadets working together  showing analytical thinking and coming up with various strategies.

We would like to thank our guests for coming and bringing with them some festive joy. Merry Christmas Cadets.

Over the past year, Etone has been hard at work collecting donations and funds for various local and national causes. This week we have been adding to their already impressive total of £7,000 raised since 2021 by taking part in Save the Children’s Christmas Jumper Day with an aim to raise funds to support the charity who carries out global work in protecting young people around the world. As you can see from the pictures there were some very colourful and exciting pieces of knitwear on display but perhaps the most impressive part is the fact the school were able to raise £309.90 towards the cause. Mr Smith had the following to say “You can always count on Etone staff and pupils to get behind charitable events. We really do care about the local area and take time to encourage engagement with the local community on any issues that arise. We also recognise the national and global efforts others are making and we want to do our bit to support them all.”

Whilst we enjoyed seeing the different offerings of jumpers there were some which clearly missed the mark, with the increase in football jumpers Mr Bowley would like to remind all that for uniform purposes only an Arsenal jumper should be allowed. But as it’s Christmas he is willing to allow them to pass. The array of jumpers was simply amazing and it was great to get the annual ‘photo around the tree’ from our pupils and staff.

We would like to thank all who participated and invite everybody to have a very relaxing festive period.

On Friday we once again threw open our doors for the Year 8 Christmas Carol and Mince Pie event. This is an opportunity for our Year 8’s to welcome their parents into the school as they are regaled with some delightful performances, whilst getting to tell them all about their time in school. This event is an important part of our parental communication and engagement strategy and were thrilled to once again have a packed out hall.

During the event we also raised funds for Save the Children with our Community Champions and Year 12’s serving mince pies, festive treats and additional refreshments in exchange for donations. During the performances the full range of Etone talent was on show including our House Band – The MulWds, the Etone Choir and individual performances from a range of our pupils. We want to thank all of our parents for joining in the singing and cannot wait to welcome you back next year. Merry Christmas All.